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Brookdale 'Mason Road' Chenin Blanc
Grapes — 100% Chenin Blanc
Region — Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa
Tasting Notes — Pale straw with a green shimmer. Wildflowers, bergamot, quince, and sun-dried citrus on the nose — expressive and distinctly South African, with a whisper of fynbos honey underneath. The palate is lively and textured — golden apple, pineapple, pear, and grapefruit wrapped around a creamy lees-driven core, with ginger spice and a veil of toasted almond threading through the finish. Racy acidity and a pithy, mouthwatering finish. Nonconformist and irresistible.
The Wine — 100% Chenin Blanc from vines planted in 1993 and 2016 on granite-rich soils with clay and quartz in the foothills of the Du Toitskloof Mountains, between 220 and 330 meters above sea level. The older vines add depth and concentration; the younger add freshness and lift. Strong mountain winds naturally reduce yields and provide a critical cooling influence in Paarl's warm, dry climate. Mason Road was the very first wine to leave the Brookdale cellar after the estate was revived — a Cinderella story, as the producer puts it, built on the oldest vines that could be salvaged when the farm was acquired.
Farming — Sustainably farmed. Hand harvested throughout. Natural predators used in place of synthetic pesticides. The estate is committed to a minimal interventionist approach in both vineyard and cellar, with a growing focus on regenerative principles. Not formally certified organic, but farmed with genuine environmental commitment.
Winemaking — Pre-cooled fruit is destemmed, lightly pressed, and settled overnight before natural wild yeast fermentation in 85% stainless steel and 15% old French oak. Aged 8 months on the lees, then lightly filtered before bottling. 5% barrel-aged Chenin Blanc blended in for added complexity — a subtle touch of oak integration that adds breadth without imprint.
The Producer — Brookdale Estate sits at the foot of the Du Toitskloof Pass in Paarl, revived from neglect by UK-born Tim Rudd in 2015 with a vision to produce site-specific, characterful wines from heritage and lesser-seen varieties. The estate's trajectory changed when Kiara Scott Farmer — a graduate of Elsenburg Agricultural College and Stellenbosch University — was appointed head winemaker in 2019, becoming the youngest female head winemaker in South Africa at just 26 years old. Under her stewardship Brookdale became one of the most celebrated young estates in the Cape, earning acclaim for its Heritage Vine Chenin Blanc and adventurous field blends. The Mason Road range is Brookdale's accessible, everyday expression — made from younger vines, delivering the same care and conviction as the flagship wines at a price that makes them impossible to say no to.
Drink It With — Grilled calamari, seared scallops, roast chicken with herbs, creamy pasta, a Cape Malay curry, or a warm afternoon with nothing more demanding than good company.
Brookdale 'Mason Road' Chenin Blanc
Grapes — 100% Chenin Blanc
Region — Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa
Tasting Notes — Pale straw with a green shimmer. Wildflowers, bergamot, quince, and sun-dried citrus on the nose — expressive and distinctly South African, with a whisper of fynbos honey underneath. The palate is lively and textured — golden apple, pineapple, pear, and grapefruit wrapped around a creamy lees-driven core, with ginger spice and a veil of toasted almond threading through the finish. Racy acidity and a pithy, mouthwatering finish. Nonconformist and irresistible.
The Wine — 100% Chenin Blanc from vines planted in 1993 and 2016 on granite-rich soils with clay and quartz in the foothills of the Du Toitskloof Mountains, between 220 and 330 meters above sea level. The older vines add depth and concentration; the younger add freshness and lift. Strong mountain winds naturally reduce yields and provide a critical cooling influence in Paarl's warm, dry climate. Mason Road was the very first wine to leave the Brookdale cellar after the estate was revived — a Cinderella story, as the producer puts it, built on the oldest vines that could be salvaged when the farm was acquired.
Farming — Sustainably farmed. Hand harvested throughout. Natural predators used in place of synthetic pesticides. The estate is committed to a minimal interventionist approach in both vineyard and cellar, with a growing focus on regenerative principles. Not formally certified organic, but farmed with genuine environmental commitment.
Winemaking — Pre-cooled fruit is destemmed, lightly pressed, and settled overnight before natural wild yeast fermentation in 85% stainless steel and 15% old French oak. Aged 8 months on the lees, then lightly filtered before bottling. 5% barrel-aged Chenin Blanc blended in for added complexity — a subtle touch of oak integration that adds breadth without imprint.
The Producer — Brookdale Estate sits at the foot of the Du Toitskloof Pass in Paarl, revived from neglect by UK-born Tim Rudd in 2015 with a vision to produce site-specific, characterful wines from heritage and lesser-seen varieties. The estate's trajectory changed when Kiara Scott Farmer — a graduate of Elsenburg Agricultural College and Stellenbosch University — was appointed head winemaker in 2019, becoming the youngest female head winemaker in South Africa at just 26 years old. Under her stewardship Brookdale became one of the most celebrated young estates in the Cape, earning acclaim for its Heritage Vine Chenin Blanc and adventurous field blends. The Mason Road range is Brookdale's accessible, everyday expression — made from younger vines, delivering the same care and conviction as the flagship wines at a price that makes them impossible to say no to.
Drink It With — Grilled calamari, seared scallops, roast chicken with herbs, creamy pasta, a Cape Malay curry, or a warm afternoon with nothing more demanding than good company.